By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Football Association Women’s Regional Football Leagues are set to kick off this upcoming weekend, featuring an array of exciting fixtures.
Ascent Academy Women’s Football, the reigning champions of the Central Region league, have expressed their readiness to defend their title.
They will embark on their mission to retain the championship against rivals Silver Strikers Women’s Football Team, formerly known as D.D Sunshine.
Head coach Thom Mkolongo anticipates a challenging season but maintains optimism about clinching victory in the regional league and securing a spot in the national league.
In the 2022 edition, Ascent Academy finished as runners-up to Ntopwa Super Queens, losing in a post-match penalty shootout.
“We have diligently prepared for this challenge. Silver Strikers, formerly D.D Sunshine, is also a formidable team, and their acquisition by Silver has undoubtedly boosted their motivation.
“Our team is composed of talented young players who are still honing their skills. With many other teams showing improvement, we are bracing ourselves for a tough season,” stated Mkolongo.
Andrew Chikhosi emphasized that preparations for the upcoming football season have been extensive, including a series of friendly matches against both male and female football teams.
“While we anticipate fierce competition, our team is accustomed to handling pressure, and our players are well-equipped to manage such situations,” Chikhosi affirmed.
Among the other fixtures in the Central Region, Hungry Lions will face MDF Lioness at Kamuzu Institute, and Blue Eagles Ladies will challenge Kamuzu Institute Football Club at Nankhaka Stadium on Saturday.
On the same day, Chisomo Academy will clash with Civil Service United Women’s team at Kasungu Stadium. Ascent Academy will take on Silver Strikers at Ascent Ground on Sunday.
In the Northern Region, defending champions CY Sisters will kick off their title defense on Saturday against Ekwendeni Sisters at Katoto Ground. Bicco Women’s will host MK Academy at Chibavi Ground on Saturday.
Moyale Sisters will entertain Hardknockers at RTC Ground, and Gafu Sisters will welcome Topik Sisters at Chibavi Ground.
In the Southern Region, reigning champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women’s Team will commence their campaign against Bvumbwe at Bvumbwe Ground on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the 2022 National Champions, Ntopwa Women’s Team, will travel to Zomba, the old capital city of Malawi, to face Red Lioness at Gymkana Ground. Mighty Wanderers Queens are set to host Attu Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced an increase in sponsorship for the Women’s Football League, raising the amount from MK60 million to MK79 million.
Regional winners can expect to receive MK4 million, a notable increase from the MK2 million awarded last year.
Similarly, the national champion will now receive MK8 million, a significant rise from the MK3 million prize last year.
Regarding the fee hike, Issac Jomo Osman of Ntopwa Super Queens remarked that this adjustment will substantially elevate the level of competition.
